Insects play critical role in ecosystems beyond just providing food, new research shows
Chimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds. Photograph: Juergen Ritterbach/AlamyView image in fullscreenChimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds. Other birds build nests near wasps or other stinging insects, in a likely effort to gain protection from predators.Insects also provide shelter, the study notes.
- ▪Chimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds.
- ▪Photograph: Juergen Ritterbach/AlamyView image in fullscreenChimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds.
- ▪Other birds build nests near wasps or other stinging insects, in a likely effort to gain protection from predators.Insects also provide shelter, the study notes.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/30/insects-ecosystems-conservation |
| Publication time | Wed, 30 Sep 2026 10:00:24 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-30T10:16:55.887Z |
| Last seen | 2026-09-30T10:17:05.059Z |
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Chimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds. Photograph: Juergen Ritterbach/AlamyView image in fullscreenChimpanzees have been observed applying insects to treat their open wounds. Photograph: Juergen Ritterbach/AlamyInsectsInsects play critical role in ecosystems beyond just providing food, new research showsInsects provide protection, sanitation and even shelter to vertebrates, making them a priority for conservation effortsMaya YangWed 30 Sep 2026 06.00 EDTLast modified on Wed 30 Sep 2026 06.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFor many vertebrates, insects are more than a food source.
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